A historical interpretation trail of about 45 minutes starts at the foot of the Château de Gilles de Rais. Together with the gardens, protected buildings and the Boire de Champtocé, Champtocé-Sur-Loire reveals different facets: architectural history, garden design and wetland landscapes. This gives you a choice of different areas of focus when planning your visit—from a trail with an approximate duration to routes through the commune.

Boire de Champtocé and Wet Meadows

Champtocé-Sur-Loire lies at the edge of an alluvial terrace. A spring-fed stream at the foot of the slope known as the Boire de Champtocé separates the commune from the terrace. The Boire is fed by the Rôme and plays an important role in regulating Loire floodwaters.

Seventeen bird species have been recorded at the Boire itself or in the surrounding wet meadows and wooded areas. The wet meadows are also home to the protected snake's head fritillary, locally known as Gogane. This landscape offers a natural focus alongside the town's historic buildings. Anglers use the Rôme at the Boire de la Rôme, and there are play areas at the Aire de pique-nique Boire de la Rôme.

Gardens and Heritage

The protected ensemble of the Château du Pin includes the chapel, perimeter walls and gates, the Art Deco gardens, and the vegetable garden. In 2026, the Jardins du Château du Pin are among the French Ministry of Culture's “Jardins remarquables” (Remarkable Gardens). The Château du Pin itself is partially listed as a historic monument.

The gardens were laid out in the Art Deco style between 1920 and 1925. Their design includes water features and the first topiary trees; there are 78 clipped yew trees on the grounds. The gardens are accessible to people with reduced mobility and hold the “Tourisme & Handicap” label. They can be reached by bicycle from the Loire à Vélo route, which is about seven kilometers away.

The Church of Saint-Pierre is also protected as a historic monument. Its tracery window dates from the 16th century, and its bells from 1540 and 1659. Another protected site is the Dolmen de la Romme. The first Château de Gilles de Rais was built in the 11th century. The Château de Gilles de Rais is occasionally open to the public. If a visit is important to you, check access for your chosen date.

Walks and Routes

The historical interpretation trail starts at the foot of the Château de Gilles de Rais and takes about 45 minutes. By contrast, the annual Randonnée Entre Boire et châteaux offers four routes of 6, 9, 13 and 18 kilometers. This lets you compare an approximate duration with a choice of route lengths, without measuring both in the same way.

The GR3 long-distance hiking trail passes through Champtocé-Sur-Loire. There are also several cycling routes, including mountain bike routes. For the gardens, the cycling connection from the Loire à Vélo route is a separate point of reference: the gardens are about seven kilometers from that route.

Fêtes des Plantes

The Fêtes des Plantes have been held twice a year in the Jardins du Château du Pin for almost 40 years. The event brings together nurseries, antique dealers, craftspeople and garden enthusiasts. The program includes events, conferences and gatherings devoted to nature and plants.

If the Fête des Plantes is the reason for your trip, check the dates in advance. This will let you plan your stay around the event without assuming a specific date.

Discover more destinations: La Salle-De-Vihiers, Le Louroux-Béconnais, Beaulieu-Sur-Layon, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Le Mesnil-En-Vallée, Juigné-Sur-Loire, Meigné-Le-Vicomte, Chenillé-Changé.

For the wider travel overview: Maine-Et-Loire.